9 Best QR Code Payment Apps for Easier Transactions in 2024

One of the biggest issues with QR code payment apps is that some require customers to have an account with the same app. This hurdle can lead to lost sales, as customers may be unwilling or unable to download another app just to complete a purchase.

Beyond this, some apps have limited compatibility with different payment methods, meaning your customers might not be able to pay using their preferred options. Others may have hidden fees, complex setup processes, or lack the robust security features needed to protect against fraud.

You don’t want to waste time juggling multiple apps or dealing with customer complaints when transactions don’t go smoothly. That’s why I’ve done the legwork, researching various payment services to find the best QR code payment apps. My recommendations are intuitive, support all major payment methods, and don’t require customers to have an app installed.

Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) stands out as my top choice. With its low fees, Clover partnership, and robust security features, it’s the best choice to help your business transition smoothly to QR code payments. Keep reading to explore all the options and find the perfect fit for your needs.

What We Look For in the Best QR Code Payment Apps

When testing the best QR code payment apps, I focused on specific features that enhance ease of use and security for you and your customers. Here’s what I prioritized during my tests:

• Ease of setup and use. The app needs to be quick to set up and easy to use, so I looked for platforms with intuitive interfaces that minimize friction in the payment process.
• Low transaction fees. I prioritized apps that offer low transaction fees without compromising on features, helping you maximize profitability.
• Multiple payment methods. To cater to different customer preferences, I chose apps that support various payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers, so you never miss a sale.
• Security features. Your customers’ trust is essential, so I prioritized apps offering robust encryption and security measures to protect sensitive payment information.
• Multi-platform compatibility. I selected apps that work seamlessly across multiple platforms, such as desktops, smartphones, or tablets.

1. Leaders Merchant Services: Cheapest QR Code Payment App1

As a verified Clover reseller, Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) provides access to some of the best point-of-sale (POS) systems. With Clover’s systems, you can take advantage of advanced QR code solutions. These include “scan to order” and “scan to pay” functionalities that allow your customers to scan a QR code to order and pay quickly.

LMS stands out for its extremely low transaction fees, which start from ~0.15% + $0. What’s even better is the ability to negotiate these rates. LMS promises to meet or beat your current rates, and if it can’t, you’ll walk away with a $200 gift card. This isn’t just a great incentive – it’s a chance to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible for every QR code transaction.

I like how LMS integrates smoothly with Authorize.net, a reliable payment gateway for processing card-not-present transactions. The gateway allows you to process QR code payments securely, giving you peace of mind knowing that every transaction is protected against fraud.

Features and Benefits

• Multiple contactless payment options. LMS supports a range of contactless payment methods that work seamlessly with QR code payments. These include all major credit and debit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay. What’s more, LMS allows you to process PayPal and Venmo payments via your Clover POS system.
• High approval rate. LMS boasts a 98% approval rate. So even if you run a high-risk business or have a low credit score, you’re more likely to get approved without the usual back-and-forth.
• Cash advances for merchants. If you need extra funds to expand your business or manage cash flow, LMS offers cash advances to its merchants. And you don’t need to worry about payback deadlines, as you pay back through a tiny commission on future transactions with LMS.
• Dedicated chargeback department. Chargebacks can be a headache, but LMS has a dedicated chargeback department to handle disputes. Having a team focused on managing chargebacks means you’re not left dealing with these issues on your own.

Learn more about LMS in our full review.

2. Square: Easy QR Code Solutions for Quick Payments1

Square makes it incredibly easy to create QR codes, which you can share online or print out for customers to scan and pay for a specific item or service. This feature is a game-changer if you want to simplify the payment process without the hassle of building a full website. If you manage a diner, Square allows you to create an online menu that customers can access through a QR code, making it possible for them to order and pay directly from their device.

What stands out is Square’s flexibility in creating QR codes for different purposes. You can assign a unique QR code to each site you build, placing it on in-store signage for on-the-spot orders or on print ads and flyers to drive remote ordering. The dual capability makes it convenient for both local and remote customers, ensuring you can cater to diverse needs without complicating your setup.

Square’s QR code payment solutions are available on its free plan. This plan includes zero monthly fees and a competitive transaction rate of 2.9% + 30 ¢ (online). However, Square tends to block suspicious accounts, so take extra care during the application process.

Features and Benefits

• Multiple e-commerce integrations. Square integrates smoothly with various e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, WordPress, Wix, and Ecwid. So it’s a great option if you’re looking to sell online.
• Extensive app marketplace. Whether you need additional accounting tools, marketing solutions, or inventory management, the app marketplace has something to fit your needs.
• Super fast onboarding process. One of the standout experiences with Square is how quickly you can get started. The onboarding process is swift, allowing you to set up your account and begin creating QR codes almost immediately.
• Free mobile card reader. Square sweetens the deal by offering a free mobile card reader. Not all customers will use QR codes for payment, so having a mobile card reader ensures you can accommodate those who prefer to swipe or tap their card.

For more information, read our expert Square review.

3. Paysafe: Best for eCash Payments and Restaurants1

With Paysafe’s Paysafecash app, you can convert all your online transactions into a simple barcode. Your customers can then scan the code and pay in cash at 200,000+ Paysafe partner locations across 29 countries. Customers can easily secure cash payments for online purchases or bills.

Paysafe has a notable partnership with Applova, a mobile ordering app solution designed for restaurants. I appreciate how Applova’s advanced QR menu ordering system integrates seamlessly with Paysafe. This system allows your customers to order and pay for their food directly from their phones by simply scanning a QR code that Applova generates for you.

I’m also a big fan of Paysafe’s affordability factor. With competitive rates that start at 0.50% + $0.10 per transaction and $7.95 per month, Paysafe offers a cost-effective solution for big-ticket businesses and restaurants.

Features and Benefits

• 250+ payment methods. Paysafe doesn’t disappoint when it comes to payment options. It supports over 250 payment methods across 120 countries, giving you the flexibility to cater to a broad audience.
• Multichannel payment options. Paysafe supports QR code payments, digital invoicing, pay-by-link, mail order/telephone order (MOTO), and subscription-based payments. This allows you to meet your customers’ preferences, no matter how they choose to pay.
• Dedicated account manager. Navigating the complexities of setting up a payment system can be tasking, but Paysafe makes it easier with a dedicated account manager. Personal support will help you through the account setup and show you how to accept QR code payments effectively.
• Merchant Back Office. It’s a comprehensive online dashboard that lets you easily track and monitor all your payments. From viewing transactions to taking orders through a virtual terminal, processing refunds, and generating detailed reports, this tool gives you complete control over your payment processing.

Our comprehensive Paysafe review has more info on rates.

4. Stax: Best for High-Volume QR Code Payments1

Stax’s affordable, flat-rate plans make it the best option for high-volume businesses that want to process QR code payments. Each plan follows a subscription-style model with similar per-transaction fees of 0% + 10¢ (online) and differing monthly fees starting from $99.00/month. You won’t need to guess how much you’ll be charged, making it easy to manage costs, especially if your transactions pile up quickly.

One thing that stands out to me about Stax is its discount for businesses handling more than $8,000/month in credit card transactions. If you’re in this category, you could potentially save up to 40%. Such savings can make a real difference in your bottom line, especially if your business processes a large number of QR code payments.

If you need quick access to your funds, Stax offers same-day payouts for an extra fee. That’s particularly useful when cash flow is tight, and you can’t wait for the standard 1–5 day payout time frame. My only issue with Stax is that while it supports ACH, Google Pay, and Apple Pay, it doesn’t support cryptocurrency.

Features and Benefits

• Seamless Zapier integration. Stax’s Zapier integration allows you to automate various tasks without lifting a finger, such as syncing your payment data with other software.
• Reporting and analytics software. Good data is essential for making informed decisions, and Stax’s reporting and analytics software delivers just that. It’s incredibly useful for tracking payment-related metrics, such as payment types and methods, transaction amounts, and chargeback rates.
• Credit card surcharging. You can use Stax’s credit card surcharge to offset the costs of credit card transactions by passing on the processing fees to your customers. This can be particularly useful in industries where margins are tight and every cent counts.
• Secure credit card storage. If you have regular customers, Stax’s end-to-end encryption and tokenization secure your customers’ credit card details, making it easier to manage repeat transactions.

Read our full Stax review for more details.

5. Chase Payment Solutions: Fast Payouts1

Chase Payment Solutions typically gives you access to your funds within 24 hours for no extra cost. But if you’re like me and prefer not to wait, there’s an option to receive your money the same day by opening a Chase Business Banking account. Sure, the extra monthly fee isn’t something you’d want to overlook, but the convenience of same-day funds could be worth it, especially for cash flow management.

I was pleased to find that Chase Payment Solutions integrates seamlessly with Zelle. It allows you to generate a QR code that customers can scan to pay you directly through Zelle. These payments are instant, but there’s a catch – you and your customer both need Zelle accounts. In contrast, LMS and Square’s QR code payment solutions don’t require your customer to have an app.

Chase Payment Solutions typically offers competitive rates for card-present transactions. But I found its rates for card-not-present transactions like QR code payments to be a bit on the high side. That said, Chase doesn’t have any monthly fees, and its flat-rate structure ensures you always know what you’re paying.

Features and Benefits

• Chase Customer Insights. This business analytics software lets you dig into your sales data, tracking your daily, weekly, and monthly sales with ease. It helps you identify trends and see when your customers are most likely to shop.
• Chase Mobile. Managing QR code payments on the go is a breeze with Chase Mobile. The app brings everything together – payment acceptance, dispute management, and even banking functions. It’s available for Android and iOS, so you can keep tabs on your business from wherever you are.
• Recurring billing. Chase Payment Solutions lets you set up an automatic payment process that securely stores your customer data. That’s great if your business relies on repeat customers and you want to avoid delays.
• Robust developer kit. If you’re tech-savvy or have a developer on your team, Chase’s robust developer kit includes SDKs and APIs that allow you to create customized solutions tailored to your business needs.

For more details, check out our Chase Payment Solutions review.

6. Helcim: Best for E-Commerce Businesses1

Helcim’s free hosted payment pages are a real gem. The fact that you don’t need any technical expertise to integrate them into your website is impressive. You can effortlessly create custom payment pages with QR codes to handle everything from purchases to donations.

You can also add QR codes anywhere your customers interact with your business, giving them a seamless, contactless payment experience. You can then direct customers to your online store for checkout and payment. And if you don’t already have an online store, Helcim lets you easily create one for free with its fully hosted store builder.

Helcim’s pricing is great for new and small e-commerce businesses. Rates start as low as 0.30% + 8¢ (in-person) for QR code payments, and there’s no monthly fee, which is an attractive option. However, I did notice a drawback. Helcim doesn’t offer free hardware, and you can’t reprogram your hardware if you switch to a different payment processor.

Features and Benefits

• Comprehensive knowledge base. Helcim’s knowledge base is packed with tutorials and resources, making it easier to navigate the ins and outs of QR code payments. There’s a well-detailed guide that breaks down everything you need to know.
• Built-in customer relationship management (CRM) system. Helcim lets you easily manage customer information, and with its Card Vault tool, payment details are stored securely. Plus, the feature is built-in, so you’ll save money on third-party software.
• Built-in online food ordering system. If you’re in the food business, this feature can streamline your operations significantly. The system integrates smoothly with the payment process, and you can leverage QR codes here, too, making it easier for customers to pay for their orders quickly and without contact.
• Integrated customer portal. It lets your customers manage their subscriptions, payment methods, and other details without needing to contact you directly. This self-service approach is a huge time-saver and reduces the headaches that come with overdue invoices.

Read our expert Helcim review for more details.

Other Notable QR Code Payment Apps

7. Payment Depot1

Payment Depot is great for businesses that experience seasonal fluctuations. I found its pricing structure incredibly flexible. The flat-rate plans – which include minimal transaction fees and a low monthly fee – make it easier to manage costs during peak and off-peak seasons. Meanwhile, its interchange-plus plan is great if your transaction volume varies widely.

Payment Depot integrates with several POS systems that support QR code payments including all of Clover devices. You’ll even get a free Dejavoo terminal, which supports all sorts of contactless payments, including QR codes, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay. I just wish Payment Depot offered some form of same-day payout whether as standard or as an add-on.

8. POS Pros1

POS Pros gives you access to a variety of POS systems, including ones that support QR code payments. Instead of blindly choosing a system, you can rely on a free consultation with a POS Pros specialist who understands the nuances of different industries. The specialist will recommend industry-specific POS devices tailored to your business needs, saving you time and money.

Some of the POS equipment that POS Pros recommends includes Clover, TouchBistro, and Linga – all of which provide QR code payment solutions. While all this is great, I’d like to see POS Pros improve customer support and be more transparent with its price.

9. PaymentCloud1

If you operate in a high-risk industry or have a poor credit score, you’ll appreciate PaymentCloud’s 98% approval rate – one of the highest in the US. It’s not just about getting approved, though. PaymentCloud doesn’t exploit your limited options like other high-risk payment processors might. Instead, it offers competitive rates that make you feel like your business matters, no matter the risks involved.

When you sign up with PaymentCloud, you’ll get one-on-one support for setting up mobile payments on your phone, mobile card reader, and mPOS. Once set up, you’ll be able to accept mobile payments via text-to-pay, email, social media, and QR codes. Sadly, PaymentCloud is one of those services that locks you into a long-term contract with early termination fees.

Pick the Best QR Code Payment App for Your Business

Finding the right QR code payment app can significantly impact your business’s efficiency and customer satisfaction. After exploring the top options, here are my final recommendations.

Leaders Merchant Services1 is my top pick if you’re looking for affordable rates to maximize profits. It offers low fees, open negotiations, and a seamless Clover integration, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes that want to implement QR code payments smoothly.

If you prefer a solution that excels in e-commerce and flexibility, go with Square1. It allows you to create custom QR codes for both online and in-store use and has a fast onboarding process, making it great for businesses that want versatility in payment options.

Or, if you run a big-ticket business or restaurant, consider Paysafe1. It’s perfect for businesses in the food industry, thanks to its integration with Applova. Plus, it offers competitive rates that won’t take up a chunk of your profits.

FAQ

How Do QR Code Payments Work?

QR code payments let customers transfer money securely via smartphone by scanning a code with payment details. Once scanned, the payment app processes the transaction, deducting the amount from their linked account. This contactless method is quick and convenient for both parties.

What is the best QR code app?

Leaders Merchant Services offers the best QR code solution. I recommend it because it offers low transaction fees, seamless integration with Clover POS systems, and a dedicated chargeback management team. It also supports multiple contactless payment options, including credit cards, digital wallets, and PayPal.

What fees are associated with QR code payment apps?

QR code payment apps typically charge per-transaction fees, and some may have monthly fees or hidden costs. I recommend Paysafe as an affordable and transparent QR code payment solution due to its competitive transaction rates and low monthly fees.

How do I collect payments with a QR code?

You collect payments with a QR code by generating a code linked to your payment app, which customers can scan to complete transactions. Great QR code payment solutions can make the process quick and easy for your customers.

Can QR code payment apps handle multiple payment methods?

Yes, QR code payment apps can handle multiple payment methods. For instance, Square supports payments from all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Square Pay, Afterpay, and Cash App Pay. Several other QR code payment solutions support additional payment methods like crypto, ensuring you cater to as many customers as possible.